Tag: Porlex JP-30

When it comes to brewing a delicious cup of coffee, it is necessary to begin with the essentials. Every coffee connoisseur knows the importance of obtaining the finest raw materials, fresh coffee beans. When your water is heated to the optimal temperature and you pour it over your freshly ground coffee, you can inhale in ecstasy as your mind awakens and prepares you for the days tasks. The secret to a good cup of coffee is in the bean, and a burr coffee grinder makes sure you grind cleanly and consistently every time.

Grinding coffee beans doesn’t have to break your bank. It is more than possible to obtain one for under $100. No, you didn’t misread that. Read on to discover some of the best burr grinders. No matter your budget, it is possible to elevate your coffee experience to a higher level.

Burr or Blade Grinder, Which is Best?

As you may have heard before, burr grinders are preferred by many baristas. Blade grinders dominated the market back in the day, and its easy to see why. Typically they are inexpensive (less than $100), especially when compared to burr grinders. In fact, they don’t even really grind the bean. The bean is crushed to pieces or a fine powder with two blades that move very quickly.

A frequent issue operators encounter with blade grinders is inconsistent ground. There is less control when operating, and you are left guessing the consistency of your ground.

Burr grinders offer comparatively more control by grinding the bean, instead of the chopping motion blade grinders do. The anatomy of a typical burr grinders consists of two revolving and coarse wheels or plates called “burrs”. The bean is processed through the burrs a couple at a time, where they can be ground to the desired texture programmed by the barista.

The biggest advantage of using a burr grinder vs a blade grinder is the reliable ability to grind to a consistent size. Because of the consistent texture and ability to adjust grind settings, the extraction of the bean is increased. This translates to a better quality cup of coffee. You can grind anything from fine espresso to coarse coffee . As a result of good design, you are less likely to experience clogging issues during brewing.

Top 3 Best Burr Grinders Under $100

#1

Bodum BISTRO Burr Grinder

#2

Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

#3

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

Porlex JP-30 Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder

#1 Bodum BISTRO Burr Grinder

The Bodum Bistro Electric features a wide variety of settings in a user-friendly electric burr grinder. The no-fuss operation allows for control over the grind process in a very simply designed package.

Main Features

14+ grind settings

Transparent bean basket. This makes it easy for the barista to see the amount of beans to be processed.

A look at the insides of the machine show top-quality stainless steel conical burrs. These burrs are hard steel and not plastic (like less costly models). Bodum bistro is made to last.

Even when pushed to the highest controls, the Bodum keeps quite. This means mornings with less noise and more sleep for your family, as you enjoy your morning coffee. The glass container is more than capable of catching the ground beans without making a mess, and the 14+ settings can grind from fine to coarse textures with no issues.

This grinder features a timer built right into the machine, set to 20 second increments. The bean container holds enough ground coffee for 8 cups of joe. Either grind enough for yourself or more for your family, the choice is up to you!

I enjoyed this model for the price (under $100) and features. This is my second choice for best burr grinders under $100. This is another budget option for you while still offering enough features to get the job done. This model is priced well enough that if you do decide you need more features or bean capacity for the future, you can afford to upgrade.

#2 Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

If you are searching for a conical grinder with handsome looks and style, look no further. This grinder system was built with quietness, reduced dust, consistency and reliability in mind. It is also affordable while offering good features for the price.

Main Features

Packing 100W of power and 16 grind settings clearly arranged and labeled (Turkish fine to Coarse). Commercial grinders need not worry about power or processing, the commercial quality conical burrs process beans in a way that reserves flavor in the final grind. In this class of grinders, the processing speed is the slowest. This was designed for the purpose of reducing friction. With less friction there is less heat, meaning flavor and aroma is preserved. This machine features a built-on timer and easy to clean design.

The container for beans holds 8.5 ounces and grind container holds 4 ounces. There is a gear reduction feature that purposely grinds slow to inhibit noise production and static buildup.

The good

Multiple grind settings available. Featuring less noise and dust buildup than some other models, and much less dust. The machine is attractive and capable of adding character to your kitchen while bringing power and control to the table.

The not so good

Reports show that the Capresso 560.01 Infinity Burr Grinder functions best when cleaned thoroughly after every use. There are some crevices in the machinery that can be hard to reach, making cleaning a tedious endeavor. Static buildup over time can be an issue, as the container is built of plastic.

If you are shopping for a grinder on a budget (under $100), this may be the ideal grinder for you.

#3 Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

Cuisinart is a reputable brand with over 30 years of experience. They offer baristas a long-lasting option while remaining affordable. But how does the mid-tier Cuisinart Professional Burr Coffee Mill compare to the competitors?

Featuring a modern and cool stainless steel look with black finish, it fits into nearly any kitchen. With a wide range of settings (18 in total), it offers the barista a great deal of options. Our research shows that the fifth setting offered the finest and most consistent quality grind.

This model offers sizable hopper capacity (250 g) that will meet the demands of the real world. For example, you can fill to capacity at the beginning of the week, enjoy a couple of cups a day and not think of topping it for the entire week! It was however noticeably more noisy than other consumer/coffee grinders for home use. The noise is still within an acceptable range.

The best part of this model is perhaps the price. Just $50 for this lovely burr mill. This makes quite the stocking stuff for your coffee loving friends and family.

Main Features

18 grind settings ranging from fine to coarse, powered by a heavy-duty motor. The user has the ability to set the quantity with a slide control, allowing any where from 4 to 18 cups. This unit automatically powers off when the preset level has been reached, a great feature that prevents overflow. The bean hopper has a capacity of 8 ounces.The chamber that holds the ground coffee is easily accessible.

When the beans have finished being ground, a built-in timer will notify the barista. This mill comes preset with medium grind settings. The approximate time to grind 12 cups is 40 seconds and 55 seconds for 18 cups.

In contrast to the previous conical grinders mentioned, the Cuisinart DBM-8 is a disk burr grinder.

My favorite features

The price combined with the efficiency! The pull-out bean hopper is conducive for quick and easy use of ground bean. This feature makes it easy to transfer the beans for brewing and makes for quick cleaning afterwards.

Features to be improved

When attempting a coarser final grind, the final product can end up a bit uneven. Because of the plastic hopper, there is an increase in static, which attracts more dust buildup.

This is an excellent grinder for a beginner. It remains affordable and offers enough features to get the job done. For burr grinders in this price range, it is typical to be powered by hand (manual operation). Grinding by hand may not be the ideal choice for some people, but for $100 or under, it offers the opportunity for a quick pre-gym workout and great coffee.

The Porlex JP-30 grinder offers sleek design in a beautiful stainless steel finish. This grinder is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who don’t mind a little extra work for their morning coffee.

This manual burr grinder is also compact in size, at a counter-space safe 9.2 inches tall. The handle puts the width at approximately 5 inches. It is Japanese made and features high quality ceramic burrs. These burrs grind the bean in a similar fashion to an old fashioned pencil sharpener. This model has a capacity of about 30 grams of coffee at a time (this translates to a bit over 1/10 of a cup, about 6 teaspoons). Amazingly, it is capable of grinding a surprising quantity in under a minute. This model has versatile grind settings to suit your taste, from coarse to fine.

The Porlex JP-30 grinder is truly a grinder suited for a variety of different coffee beans. Aside from making a wonderful conversation starter, it is streamlined, attractive and lightweight. Offering a high value, this grinder is the best choice for a budget of $100 or under.

There’s good coffee, and then there’s great coffee. What’s the difference? Fresh grounds. You’ve likely seen automatic coffee grinders on the market or at your local barista’s, but why spend twice what you have to when you can get a simple, elegant hand grinder?

Why Grind Coffee By Hand?

Manual grinders may seem trickier to use than an automatic grinder, but they can’t be beaten in terms of simplicity, portability, and ease of cleaning. You can even take it camping! And you’ll never have to worry about waking your family with this quiet alternative to a noisy automatic grinder.

For the coffee-loving traveler, a hand grinder is the perfect accessory. On the road, it can be hard to find a quality, fresh cup of coffee, especially if you’re on a budget. A small, easy-to-carry hand grinder means you can enjoy your own favorite brew in the comfort of your hotel room. And no electricity means no worrying about clunky voltage adapters during international travel.

Speaking of budgets, hand grinders are much more affordable than an automatic grinder. If part of your interest in home-brewed coffee is saving money, it just doesn’t make sense to drop $100 or more on an electric grinder, when you can get the same results at a fraction of the price.

For many busy people, that first morning cup of coffee may be their only “me” moment of the day. Hand grinders help you slow down and enjoy that moment, allowing you to savor the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Automatic grinders may be quick and easy, but once their 80-decibel racket (comparable to an alarm clock or passing diesel truck) wakes the kids, your coffee will probably be cold by the time you get back to it!

The Hario Skerton Coffee Mill checks every box on the must-have list for manual grinders, which is why it’s my favorite. When purchased with the upgrade kit, the Hario Skerton produces consistent grinds across all ranges; however, you only need the upgrade kit if you prefer French press. It’s reliable and versatile, and its portability makes it a favorite among travelers.

Pros

Great grind consistency makes it perfect for all brews

Easy to use and easy to clean

Excellent value based on performance

Cons

Glass exterior is a shatter risk (though you can fit the Hario Skerton’s hopper, including the grind unit, on any mason jar—easy fix!)

Porlex JP-30 Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder

Many shops and roasters prefer the Porlex, because of its sleek, modern stainless steel design. Sadly, function does not match form in the case of the Porlex; as satisfying as it is aesthetically, this grinder’s slick exterior makes it a nightmare to grip while turning the crank. Those suffering from carpal tunnel or arthritis might well find the Porlex impossible to operate. Even those with no hand or wrist issues are likely to walk away sore, especially since its small capacity means a longer grind time. On the counter, it’s a work of art, but in action it’s a pain -literally – to use daily. If you’ve got the time and the hand strength, though, you may well find the Porlex an excellent fit, since it beats all other grinders on this list in portability (it can even slip right inside an Aeropress) and produces top-quality grounds.

Pros

Simple design makes operation almost instinctive

Unbeatable in portability

Cons

It’s almost too simple, making more complex grind applications out of the question

ROK Coffee Grinder – Coolest Manual Grinder

Everything about the ROK Coffee Grinder can be summed up in a single word: cool. First of all, with its polished aluminum exterior, it looks like a work of modern art. It’s not just a pretty face, though—the ROK is a hard worker. Lab tests have shown the ROK outperforms $600 electric burr grinders in ground quality and consistency. The ROK’s grinds are especially perfect for espresso, though not quite ideal for French press. You won’t find a grinder that’s easier to use, though—you can operate it one-handed, in half the time compared to other hand grinders.

Zassenhaus 169DG – Collector’s Choice

The Zassenhaus 169DG has the look and feel of an antique coffee grinder. Crafted by the Germans using a top-quality walnut hardwood exterior, the 169DG fits perfectly in a “country kitchen,” unlike the previous two models. Zassenhaus paid just as much attention to function as they did to form; the 169DG produces consistent, quality grounds for espresso, drip, and French press. The manufacturers also stand behind their work with a ten-year warranty.

It might not be printed on the label, but Orphan Espresso’s motto must be “go big or go home.” Their newest creation, the Lido 2, looks like a steampunk fever-dream. If the other grinders on this list are Toyotas and Cadillacs, this model is a Bugatti. It’s excessive and pricey, yes, but it also grinds coffee better than any other hand grinder out there, and it’s built to last—your grandchildren might grind their morning coffee in the next century on their now-antique Lido 2. Ruggedly built of strong plastic, glass, and stainless steel, it tips the scales at three-and-a-half pounds, essentially disqualifying it as a travel buddy, but making it potentially useful as a weapon in a home invasion.

To sum up, it’s big, expensive, flashy, and heavy—so other than self-defense, why own one? Power, that’s why. Just like a Bugatti, the Lido leaves its competition in the dust, grinding a full serving of beans before you can say “Orphan Espresso Lido 2.” Even its capacity goes above and beyond; it can hold up to eight ounces of grind, making it the grinder of choice for your neighborhood coffee klatsch.

This monster of a grinder needs some forceful handling, though. My two testers (my father and my girlfriend) both had difficulty getting this grinder going. Personally, I didn’t have much trouble—but I may have been distracted by the sheer might of the Lido 2.
Traveling with this grinder obviously isn’t feasible. Despite its impracticality in many aspects, though, there’s definitely a niche market for this grinder; if you prefer silk to cotton and Italian imports over Detroit steel, you’re likely in it. But in my honest opinion, you’re better off investing the $175 you would have spent on the Lido on a mid-grade Baratza burr mill grinder.

What Should You Consider When Looking For Your Perfect Manual Coffee Grinder?

1. Size and appearance

Your perfect coffee grinder should be a reflection of yourself. Are you a frequent traveler? Then your grinder should be simple, small, and ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice. Prefer the comforts of home? Then you can choose something larger and sturdier, something that will look right at home as a permanent fixture on your kitchen counter.

2. Material – will it last?

Stainless steel and ceramic are the best materials for coffee grinders, since they’re durable, easy to clean, and attractive. Remember, though—if you plan to travel with it, stick to shatterproof materials, so your grinder doesn’t end up in a thousand pieces on the airport floor during a TSA baggage check.

3. Function

Just like any product you buy, your hand grinder should perform to expectation. Do your research and read the reviews. If you’re a French press drinker, but the model you purchase is optimized for espresso, you’re not going to get the most out of your grinder. Same goes for quality—if people are leaving reviews saying that, six months down the road, their beans are coming out mangled, then you should probably look at another model. A few minutes of research now can save you hours of aggravation down the road.

4. Warranty – are you covered?

Quality manufacturers offer warranties, because they believe in the product they produce. You might think you’re saving money by purchasing a cheaper model with no warranty, but if that one breaks in a few months and you have to buy a new one, you haven’t really saved anything at all. Lack of a warranty is a big red flag; heed it.